We had the good fortune of connecting with Shaneil Thompson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Shaneil, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Naturally I’m a fashionista and I wanted to transform my passion for fashion into entrepreneurship. I have a lot of articles of clothing and accessories, but one day I realize that I had acquired lot of sunglasses (some that I bought and some that were gifted). From there the thought process behind my business was pretty clear. I knew I wanted to sell sunglasses, but after a while I decided not to limit myself and sell other accessories.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
What I’m most proud about is not giving up just being resilient with whatever that comes my way. I’m super excited about coming out with my own personalized sunglasses collection. Having a supportive home team definitely helped me get to where I am professionally as well as my customers and friends. Just making sure that I’m always on top of my A game.

The biggest lesson that I’ve learned so far is that it’s okay for your initial plan not to work out. Sometimes things hit the fan and doesn’t go as expected, but you have to keep pushing. God and perseverance definitely kept me grounded. They were times were I had to rebrand my business and go through many rough emotions, but through it all I appreciate the highs and lows, because that molded who I am today!

I would want the world to know that my brand as well as myself is only going to get better. We didn’t reach our peak as yet, so stay tuned!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
So since I’m from Fort. Lauderdale we’d go to a lot of outdoor places mainly, because the weather is relatively always nice.

So our week run down would go as followed:
Monday we’d start the week off pretty light. So we’d go to the mall shop around, eat then later on that night catch a movie.

Tuesday we’d go on the Jungle Queen (my favorite) about an hour and forty five minute boat ride. Take pictures of the mansions on the water and animals and also eat at the shack that’s on the Jungle Queen’s island.

Wednesday we’d go to The Wharf Fort. Lauderdale there’s a lot of places to eat down there since it’s located downtown. And take a bunch of cute pictures.

Thursday we’d do something simple like go to Striker’s to bowl.

Friday we’d turn it up a notch just a little and go to Rock Bar on the beach. Catch up, eat, have drinks, etc.

Saturday we’d could do a picnic at a local park soak up the sun, kick back, etc.

Sunday we’d go to R House Wynwood ( my favorite) and have brunch and turn up with other people there.

I feel like it’s a lot of underground gems in South Florida to visit. That’s what really makes it interesting.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are a lot people who’ve shown constant and consistent support for my business; whether that was the initial idea or collections that I’ve dropped (S/O to my Hawtties). Out of all those people I would like to publicly thank my family. They’ve supported every business idea no matter how ridiculous it was lol, they’ve bought every collection, they’ve continuously reassured my passion for my business, and also worked my pop up shops (S/O H.G. Team Members).

Website: https://www.thehawtgirlcollectionllc.com/

Instagram: thehawt.girlcollectionllc

Other: Pinterest: TheHawt.GirlCollection LLC

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